I have been playing the Xaphoon for many years. First the bamboo version, then the ABS plastic version and now this one made from olive wood. It has instantly become my favourit. It feels a touch lighter in the hand and the sound is a little warmer and softer. The sound is elegant and has a lot of heart! The response is clean up and down the scale. I normally us a strengh 3.0 reed but found the olive version sounded better with a softer, 2.5. I still love the plastic version as you can travel with it and it is totally unaffected by climate. This olive wood version naturally needs more caring and looking after (mopping, cleaning, oiling), but you'll definitely develop a stronger bond with this instrument. I absolutely love it!